This four-tiered pink cake was given to Pauleen by Renew Placenta, which Pauleen endorses. “I was so touched! I loved the cake!” gushed the celebrant. The lucky girl also received birthday cakes from her Eat Bulaga and Flawless families.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Paolo Contis and Isabel Oli.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pauleen with Manila councilor Robert Ortega.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Bubble Gang star Michael V with wife Cara.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

The lovely Julia Clarete with husband Steven Uy.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Two of her Eat Bulaga barkada, Mr. Pogi second runner-up Mark Ariel Fresco and Wally Bayola, joined Pauleen as she hammed it up for the cameras.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Flanking the birthday girl are early birds (left to right) Aileen Macapagal with husband Joey de Leon, and Susan Roces with niece Sheryl Cruz. Joey was supposed to be one of the 18-roses dance partners but had to leave even before the ceremonies started. Ms. Roces and Sheryl also quietly made their exit early on, after giving Pauleen a hearty greeting.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pretty ladies Carla Humphries—Pauleen’s best friend—and MTV veejay Cindy Kurleto later danced the night away.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Malou Choa Fagar, Eat Bulaga’s lady boss, also served as one of Pauleen’s 18 candles. And while Anjo Yllana was dancing with the birthday girl, the lady boss quipped: “Dapat si Anjo mag-practice nang magsayaw, dalawa ang kanya, e!” referring to Anjo’s two daughters.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pauleen with Vicki Belo, often referred to as the doctor to the stars.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pauleen gives Mark Herras a big hug. The I Luv NY star preceded Marvin in the 18-roses ceremony. Mark was at one time rumored to be courting Pauleen. The two also share the same manager, the indomitable Lolit Solis.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pauleen and Oyo Boy—co-stars in TAPE Inc.’s noontime drama show Pinakamamahal—show their crazy side along with (left to right) Ciara Sotto, Angel Locsin, and Sugar Mercado.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pauleen’s mommy Chat was busy as a bee, making sure that every guest was comfortable. “Hindi ako sanay sa mga ganito!” the debutante’s mom exclaimed when she finally took a break.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Pauleen’s first dance for the 18 roses segment was with former Senator Tito Sotto, whom she fondly refers to as her kwela dad in Eat Bulaga.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Nuts Entertainment funnyman Anjo Yllana, whom Pauleen called her naughty friend.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

BJ “Tolits” Forbes, who served as proxy for his Tito Joey de Leon.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Eat Bulaga co-host Teri Onor, whose real name—Dexter Dominguez—was revealed during the dance.

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Dancing with Pauleen is Eman Abeleda, Pauleen’s Star Circle 11 batchmate in 2003

(YES! January 2007 issue)

Sandara Park was one of the late arrivals. Unknown to many, it was Pauleen who encouraged the Korean to try out for the Star Circle Quest talent search. Good thing Sandara listened to her pal

(YES! January 2007 issue)

During the party, Pauleen’s Lola Baby often took Marvin by the hand and went around introducing him to the guests. “They’re very close!” revealed the birthday girl, as evidenced by this photo of Lola Baby and Marvin dancing to one of Retrospect’s lively tunes.

(YES! January 2007 issue)